The John Smith Centre at the University of Glasgow is a non-partisan organisation working to open doors to public life and politics for young people.

Over the past ten years, we’ve created hundreds of practical opportunities that have helped young people step into roles in public service – especially those from underrepresented background.

If you want to make a difference, we want to make it count – no matter your background, beliefs, or experience.

We’re inspired by John Smith, Labour leader from 1992–94, who said in his final speech: “The opportunity to serve our country – that is all we ask.”

Thirty years on, we’re still driven by the belief that every young person who wants that opportunity deserves the chance to shape the world they live in.

How we break down barriers:

📍 Internships – we fund young people to gain hands-on parliamentary experience with leading politicians
📍Programmes and courses – we help students and school pupils learn more about politics and public life
📍Research – we provide a platform for fresh thinking on democratic and civic engagement
📍Polling – we find out what young people are thinking, through our UK Youth Poll
📍Campaigns – we back ideas that help to widen democratic and civic participation
📍Public events – from our home at the University of Glasgow, we hold inspiring in-person debates, events, and speeches

John Smith Centre

Org chart

Teams

Offices